From Brunch to Bachelorette: Dress Codes Decoded for Every Wedding Weekend Event

Weddings used to be simple: show up, bring a gift, wear something nice. These days? You’re likely looking at an entire weekend (sometimes longer) of pre-events, post-events, and everything in between. Start with brunches and rooftop welcome drinks and go on with full-on themed bachelorette nights. Every moment has a vibe. And while that’s great news for fashion lovers, it can also leave you wondering: what the heck am I supposed to wear?

Well, it can all be fun…if you know how to plan it. In a 2023 Zola survey, nearly 70% of couples said they planned at least three events around their wedding, and guests are expected to dress the part. That means you’ll want to think beyond just the ceremony. The key? Understand the mood of each event, be smart with your fabrics, and let your personality shine through.

Engagement Party: The Celebration Kick-Off

This is often the first official gathering, the “we’re really doing this” moment where both families and friends mingle for the first time. Think of it as a stylish meet-and-greet with champagne, small talk, and lots of photo ops.

What works: A flowy midi dress with flutter sleeves, a cropped wide-leg jumpsuit in a playful print, or a classic wrap dress in a breathable fabric like chiffon or lightweight crepe. Soft florals, pin-dot prints, or bold solids (like emerald, fuchsia, or coral) are all fair game. Accessories can take things up a notch. A sleek clutch, gold hoops, and heeled mules say “I dressed up” without screaming for attention.

Avoid: Anything too formal (save the dramatic formal gowns for later) or too casual (jeans or sneakers are risky unless it’s an explicitly laid-back affair like a backyard BBQ or brewery meet-up). When in doubt, an elegant midi and sandals will never fail you.

Bridal Shower: Keep It Light, Keep It Sweet

This one’s all about feminine energy and feel-good vibes. The bridal shower is usually hosted during the day. It is not hard to imagine: brunch spreads, cake tasting, delicate décor. It’s a lighthearted event and for you, looking sweet and pulled-together is the move.

Go for:

Pastels and soft neutrals
Lightweight fabrics like cotton voile, eyelet, or linen
Flowy A-line sundresses or puff-sleeve maxis
Accessories like a basket bag, dainty layered necklaces, or a wide-brim hat
Low block heels, strappy sandals, or ballet flats

Avoid:

Anything too loud or edgy (save the leather for the bachelorette)
Bodycon silhouettes, heavy makeup, or sky-high stilettos
Bright neons or prints that steal attention from the bride

You’re here to sip mimosas, admire the table settings, and maybe win the ribbon bouquet game, not dominate the room. Keep it charming, comfortable, and camera-ready.

Welcome Dinner: A Dress Code Without Saying Dress Code

This is your chance to give the first impression of sheer elegance. You’re meeting parents, toasting with out-of-town friends, maybe giving a speech, and definitely having your outfit quietly judged by every aunt and college roommate in the room. You want polish, but not too much sparkle. You want intention, not intensity.

Try this:

A silky slip dress layered with a lightweight blazer
A structured jumpsuit in a rich tone like terracotta, forest green, or sapphire
Midi wrap dresses with puff sleeves or asymmetric hems
Pair with block-heeled sandals, classic mules, or pointy-toe flats for comfort and poise
Finish with minimalist jewelry—think gold hoops, a slim bracelet, or a single pendant necklace

Pro tip: Always check the location. Cobblestone patios, rooftop restaurants, and rustic barns call for different footwear. (Wedges or stacked heels are your best friends in grass.)

Bachelorette Party: Let Loose, Dress Loud

This is the moment to pull out the outfit that’s been waiting in your saved folder. Sequins? Yes. Leather? Sure. Matching pink wigs and coordinated theme night looks? Absolutely.

Top picks: Bodycon minis, cut-out dresses, two-piece sets with feathers, rhinestones, or neon—whatever makes you feel bold and alive. Just make sure you can dance in it. Platforms and boots are great, but don’t be the person limping after an hour.

Extra note: If you’re doing a spa day or hiking excursion as part of the festivities, pack accordingly. Fashion doesn’t stop at the club.

Rehearsal Dinner: Understated Elegance

It’s not the main event, but it’s close—and it definitely matters. You’ll want to look good in pictures that may end up in someone’s wedding album.

Outfit formula: Think sophisticated, not flashy. This is the time for:

Midi or maxi dresses in luxe fabrics like crepe, silk, satin, or velvet (great for cooler climates)
Understated but rich colors: navy, olive, rust, plum, or even deep burgundy
Polished accessories: a structured clutch, minimal gold or pearl jewelry
Light outerwear: a tailored blazer, shawl, or wrap for chilly evenings

Skip: Overly glittery pieces or anything that competes with the bride. If you wouldn’t wear it to a nice dinner with your boss and your future in-laws, leave it in the closet.

The Wedding: The Big One (Obviously)

Follow the dress code here, always. It’s not just about being respectful (although yes, definitely that). It’s also about letting the couple’s vision guide your vibe. And please—don’t wear white. Not ivory, not eggshell, not “but it has flowers on it.” Just don’t. It’s one of the last sacred rules we have left.

Dress code cheat sheet:

Black tie: Floor-length gown in satin or velvet, glam accessories, heels or chic dressy flats.
Cocktail: Midi dress in a rich color, a tailored jumpsuit with heels, or a chic wrap cocktail dress with statement accessories
Beach formal: Flowy maxi dress in silk or cotton voile, metallic sandals, and delicate jewelry. Think breathable and beautiful.
Semi-formal: A-line or sheath dress just below the knee, an elegant jumpsuit, or an elevated two-piece set.
Bonus tip: Always bring a wrap, blazer, or pashmina. Weather and indoor A/C do not care how cute your dress is.

Reception: The Outfit Change You’ll Be Glad You Made

If you’ve been holding it together in a structured gown or balancing on stilettos all through the ceremony, now’s the time to loosen up, literally.

Try: A flowy jumpsuit with an open back, a flirty mini with fringe or sparkle, or a bold pantsuit in satin or velvet paired with low-profile sneakers or ankle boots. Metallics shine beautifully under party lights, and breathable fabrics like jersey, crepe, or bamboo blends keep you from overheating when the dance floor fills up. Accessories can do the heavy lifting here.

Post-Wedding Brunch: Chill But Chic

You’re probably a little tired, maybe a little sunburned, emotionally full, and running low on steam. But just because it’s the last stop on the itinerary doesn’t mean you have to throw style out the window. The post-wedding brunch is like the credits scene of a great movie: still part of the story, and still worth showing up for.

Easy wins: This is where comfort and casual polish meet. Reach for an airy tiered sundress or a soft maxi in cotton or linen: something that feels like loungewear but looks like effort. A linen jumpsuit with pockets is a game changer (you’ll thank us later). Slide into flat sandals, throw on your favorite sunglasses, and go for that “no-makeup makeup” look that’s really just concealer and a touch of blush.

Destination Weddings: Smart Packing, Big Payoff

If the wedding involves a flight, a little strategy goes a long way. That’s where a capsule wardrobe comes in. The idea is simple: pack fewer pieces that do more. Think layers. Think neutrals. Go for outfits that transform with a shoe swap or a change of earrings.

Owning Your Style All Weekend Long

Those black strappy sandals that go with everything? Bring them. That slip dress that can handle both the welcome dinner and the reception dance floor with just a change of accessories. That’s a hero piece. And don’t underestimate the power of layering—a lightweight blazer, wrap, or denim jacket can completely shift an outfit’s tone.

And if all else fails, lean on breathable fabrics, good posture, and a little lip tint. Because whether you’re raising a toast at the rehearsal dinner or trying to make it through the farewell brunch with a touch of dignity, your energy is the most fashionable thing you can bring to the table.

Author Bio:

Jonah Levine is the Creative Director of NewYorkDress.com. NewYorkDress.com, established in 2008, is the #1 online source for Evening and Prom dresses worldwide. As Creative Director, Jonah works to create the ultimate online and in store luxury shopping experience with a focus on service and personalization.

Sources:

https://www.nordstrom.com/browse/content/blog/wedding-dress-codes

Description

Advice

Budget